The Bible tells us to love, forgive and pray for our enemies (Mathew 5:44). This raises a profound question: does this divine directive apply to God’s relationship with Satan (the enemy of God), and should we as followers of Christ, extend love towards Satan?

Not at all, while God embodies love, His love does not negate His justice and holiness. God’s love is not an unconditional acceptance of all beings and actions but is in harmony with His just and holy nature. Therefore, His stance towards evil and rebellion (as personified by Satan), is one of righteous condemnation, not love.

God does not love Satan, and neither should we. God cannot love evil and unholy things, and Satan is the embodiment of all of that.

The Bible vividly describes Satan’s nature and actions: he is the enemy (1 Peter 5:8), the evil one (Matthew 6:13), the father of lies and a murderer (John 8:44), the accuser of God’s people (Revelation 12:10), the tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5), the deceiver (Acts 13:10), the schemer (Ephesians 6:11), the thief (Luke 8:12) and more. These descriptions collectively paint a picture of a being who is completely opposed to everything that God represents and upholds.

Satan represents everything God hates and his heart is set on rebelling against God, and his destruction is inevitable.

According to Revelation 20, God’s plan for Satan’s future does not include redemption but ultimate destruction. This is a testament to God’s commitment to eradicating evil and upholding His justice.

The commandment to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) is specifically applicable to human relationships. Humans, unlike Satan, are made in God’s image and are thus recipients of God’s love and grace. In contrast, Satan, as a fallen angel, is not a part of this redemptive scope.

We, as believers, are not called to extend love to spiritual entities who have irrevocably chosen to rebel against God.

As Christians, understanding this distinction guides us to foster love and forgiveness towards our fellow humans while maintaining vigilance and discernment against spiritual evil. Our battle, as described in Ephesians 6:12, is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.

In conclusion, while we are called to love our human enemies, this does not extend to Satan, who embodies the antithesis of God’s holy nature. God’s treatment of Satan aligns with His attributes of holiness and justice, underscoring His unchanging nature.